A chimney sweep is one of the essential home services you should have performed regularly. It’s necessary because creosote and other pollutants accumulate in your chimney over time due to the natural process of combustion. If you don’t get rid of these tar-like materials, a flammable layer will build up in your fireplace. Therefore, a professional chimney sweep will keep you and your family safe by reducing the likelihood of a chimney fire. With this in mind, there are several reasons you should hire a professional to perform your next chimney sweep.
Dangers of Sweeping Chimneys
You should hire a professional chimney sweep to clean your chimney annually. Cleaning, inspecting, and repairing your chimney is critical for the safety of your home. However, doing it yourself can result in injury and make the problem even worse. It’s better to leave it to someone who understands the process thoroughly.
Here are some of the dangers of sweeping chimneys yourself:
- Risk of lung damage such as bronchitis
- Itchy skin and rashes
- Eye irritation
- Long-lasting impact of inhaled soot and ash
With all these risk factors, it’s best to leave it to the professionals.
Carbon monoxide (CO) deserves a special mention. As creosote builds up in your chimney, it becomes less efficient at clearing smoke quickly. Smoky chimneys not only produce CO but also endanger your family’s health. Carbon monoxide can enter your home if your flue liner breaks. So, install a carbon monoxide detector to alert you to high levels of the odorless gas, and get your chimney cleaned every year to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Dangers Of Not Cleaning Your Chimneys
Every winter, fire departments receive alarms for tens of thousands of structural fires. Many of them are caused by chimney fires. Additionally, you may face these hazards if you’re not using a professional chimney sweep:
- Creosote accumulation
- Low indoor air quality
- Risks to one’s health and safety
- Obstruction of the flue
Why Choose Capital Chimney
Capital Chimney professionals use carpet runner tarps, shoe covers, dust protection, and scaffolding to protect your home. Personal protective equipment such as hard hats, eye protection and masks are worn to protect our team members. Additionally, our team uses fall protection to prevent injury, accidents or damage in your home. Taking these precautions reduces the likelihood of accidents and helps protect your family.
If you need fireplace maintenance or cleaning anywhere in the Chicagoland area, contact us today for an estimate. We also perform commercial chimney cleaning. Our pros always act with safety and customer satisfaction as top priorities.
